New Study Shows Many Sunscreens are not as Effective as SPF States on the Label

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and and Awareness Month and for many taking care of your skin is a top priority. But you need to be careful about your sunscreen to make sure you are getting the most protection possible.

A new study regarding SPF levels has been released and it is quite a wake up call for some consumers. Most people especially parents are always on the lookout for the best sunscreens with a higher SPF to protect their child's skin. I know in the past when the kids were little, we loved the spray water proof sunscreen, it was super easy to reapply even when they were soaking wet.

Researchers at Consumer Reports independently evaluated the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 65 different sunscreens and 43% had less than half what the label said the SPF protection was. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, so If you purchased one of these brands with an SPF of 30 you may really only be getting 15. But testing is also different between Consumer Reports and the actual sunscreen manufacturers and water resistant sunscreen needs to be constantly reapplied if you get wet.

According to this report here are the Top Sunscreens:

1.) La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

2.) Pure Sun Defense SPF 50

3.) Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50

4.) Equate Ultra Protection SPF 50 (Walmart brand)

5.) No-Ad Sport SPF 50